The Most Popular Show in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the show you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:49
In a bustling society where entertainment options abound, it can be overwhelming to sift through countless choices to find the best TV shows. Tracking the popularity of shows ensures that you don’t miss out on culturally impactful or widely appreciated series. It simplifies the decision-making process by highlighting what's catching everyone's attention.
This dynamic ranking system invites you to contribute your vote and see how your preferences stack up against others. Every vote casts a spotlight on what's trending, offering a continuously updated snapshot of public taste. It's not just about seeing the rankings change; it's about being a part of what shapes them.
What Is the Most Popular Show in America?
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135votesThis HBO series has won a record 38 Primetime Emmy Awards and has a massive fan following.Game of Thrones is a highly popular and critically acclaimed American fantasy drama television series based on the novel series 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. The show is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and its blend of political intrigue, epic battles, and fantasy elements. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, Game of Thrones explores the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne.
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 73
- Running Time: 50-82 minutes per episode
- Original Network: HBO
Game of Thrones in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most anticipated series
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular historical drama
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular fandom
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Telltale game
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Wikipedia article
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular cosplay
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213votes
The Big Bang Theory
Chuck Lorre, Bill PradyThis CBS sitcom has been on the air for 12 seasons and has consistently been one of the most-watched shows on television.The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom that aired from 2007 to 2019. It revolves around a group of socially awkward but highly intelligent scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. The show primarily focuses on the lives of roommates Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, along with their friends Howard Wolowitz, Raj Koothrappali, and later, their neighbor Penny. The Big Bang Theory is known for its blend of nerdy humor, pop culture references, and recurring themes of geek culture.- Genre: Sitcom
- Original Network: CBS
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Number of Episodes: 279
- Average Episode Runtime: 22 minutes
The Big Bang Theory in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular network TV show
- Position 2 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular comedy show of all time
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329votes
The Walking Dead
Frank DarabontThis AMC series has been on the air since 2010 and has a dedicated fan base.The Walking Dead is a popular TV show that revolves around a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies, also known as 'walkers'. It follows a group of survivors as they navigate through dangerous situations, form alliances, and try to rebuild society. The show primarily focuses on character development and explores themes like morality, survival instincts, and the resilience of humanity.- Genre: Drama, Horror
- Original Network: AMC
- First Episode Air Date: October 31, 2010
- Last Episode Air Date: Ongoing
- Number of Seasons: 10
The Walking Dead in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Telltale game
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular supernatural show
- Position 4 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful comic book
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular fandom
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular comic book of all time
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421votes
Grey's Anatomy
Shonda RhimesThis ABC medical drama has been on the air for 16 seasons and is one of the longest-running primetime dramas in history.Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama television series that follows the professional and personal lives of surgical interns, residents, and attending physicians at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show explores their struggles, relationships, and the intense and dramatic situations they encounter in their high-pressure work environment.- Genre: Medical drama
- Number of seasons: 17
- Number of episodes: 384
- Original release: March 27, 2005 - Present
- Average episode duration: 43 minutes
Grey's Anatomy in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular doctor show
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular show on ABC
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular network TV show
- Position 5 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
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520votes
Stranger Things
The Duffer BrothersThis Netflix original has been praised for its nostalgia and sci-fi horror elements.Stranger Things is a popular American science fiction-horror television series set in the 1980s. It revolves around a group of young friends from the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, who encounter a series of supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies. The show pays homage to 80s pop culture, drawing inspiration from Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, and John Carpenter. With its mix of horror, humor, and nostalgia, Stranger Things has captivated audiences around the world.- Genre: Science fiction, Horror
- Setting: 1980s, Hawkins, Indiana
- Main Characters: Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will
- Number of Seasons: 4 (as of now)
- Total Episodes: 33 (as of now)
Stranger Things in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most anticipated series
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Fortnite collaboration
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612votesThis classic NBC sitcom has been off the air since 2004, but its popularity has endured thanks to streaming services.Friends is a popular American sitcom that originally aired from 1994 to 2004. The show follows the lives of a group of six friends - Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe - who live in New York City and grapple with the trials and tribulations of adulthood.
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Total Episodes: 236
- Original Network: NBC
- Original Airdate: September 22, 1994
- Finale Airdate: May 6, 2004
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79votes
Breaking Bad
Vince GilliganThis AMC series has been called one of the greatest television dramas of all time and has won numerous awards.Breaking Bad is an American dramatic TV show that follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, as he descends into a world of crime and power. The show explores themes of morality, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices.- Genre: Drama
- Country of Origin: United States
- Language: English
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 62
Breaking Bad in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular AMC show
- Position 8 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular crime drama
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86votesThis CBS procedural has been on the air since 2003 and consistently draws in a large audience.NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is an American crime drama television series that revolves around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, who investigate crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position. The show is known for its mix of crime investigation, action, and a touch of humor.
- Genre: Crime drama
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
- Original network: CBS
- First aired: September 23, 2003
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99votes
The Office
Greg DanielsThis NBC sitcom has also found new life on streaming services and has been praised for its mockumentary style.The Office is a mockumentary-style sitcom that depicts the everyday lives of office employees working at the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The show presents their interactions and humorous mishaps through a documentary crew's lens.- Genre: Sitcom
- Format: Mockumentary
- Setting: Office environment
- Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Running time: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
The Office in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular show on NBC
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular comedy show of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
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105votes
This Is Us
Dan FogelmanThis NBC drama has been praised for its emotional storytelling and has been a ratings success.This Is Us is a highly popular network TV show that premiered in 2016. It is a family drama series that follows the lives and intertwining stories of the Pearson family. The show explores their joys and heartbreaks across different generations and timelines, weaving together present-day scenes with flashbacks to their past.- Genre: Drama
- Premiere Year: 2016
- Network: NBC
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 88 (as of 2021)
This Is Us in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular network TV show
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular show on NBC
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular show
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RatingsThe Nielsen Ratings system measures the number of viewers who watch a show during its initial airing. This data is commonly used to determine a show's popularity.
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Streaming dataWith the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, it's important to also consider the number of views and ratings a show receives on these platforms.
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Critical acclaimThe reviews and ratings provided by critics also factor into a show's overall popularity.
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Social media buzzThe amount of engagement a show receives on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram is also indicative of its popularity.
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Awards and nominationsWinning awards and being nominated for prestigious awards like the Emmy's also indicates a show's popularity among critics and audiences.
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Audience engagementThe number of fan groups, merchandise sales, and other forms of audience engagement are also indicators of a show's popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular show in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1728 views
- 152 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular show in america
The television industry in America has seen an unprecedented growth in the past few decades, with numerous shows vying for viewership and critical acclaim. However, there are a few shows that have managed to capture the hearts and minds of audiences across the country. From sitcoms to dramas, these shows have become a part of popular culture and have garnered a massive following. So, what is the most popular show in America? With thousands of polls and rankings on StrawPoll, we aim to find out what viewers across the country think. Stay tuned to find out which show takes the top spot!
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